Top Best Cash Back Credit Card Singapore Options

Looking for ways to maximize rewards on everyday purchases? The right financial tool can help you earn while you spend. This guide compares leading options with attractive perks, including limited-time promotions.

Many financial products offer bonus rewards in popular categories like dining, groceries, and online shopping. Some even include high-value gifts, such as the current HSBC promotion featuring a Dyson WashG1™ worth S$999. These deals often have expiration dates, so timing matters.

When choosing, consider factors like reward caps, spending requirements, and fees. Our detailed comparison simplifies decision-making by highlighting key differences between 12 popular choices.

Key Takeaways

• Compare rewards programs to find the right fit for your spending habits
• Limited-time offers like Dyson appliances add extra value
• Bonus categories can significantly boost your earnings
• Check minimum spend requirements and annual fees
• Some promotions expire in June 2025

Introduction to Cashback Credit Cards in Singapore

Smart shoppers in Singapore are turning to reward programs that put money back in their wallets. Unlike traditional loyalty points, these financial tools offer direct rebates on qualifying purchases. The system works by returning a percentage of your spend to your account, creating measurable savings over time.

Why reward programs beat alternatives

Flat-rate models like Amex True Cashback provide consistent 3% returns during introductory periods, while category-specific options target high-spend areas like dining or groceries. Compared to air miles programs that require large expenditures for meaningful rewards, these alternatives deliver immediate value for routine transactions.

Singapore-specific benefits enhance convenience. Many issuers integrate with SimplyGo for seamless public transport payments while earning rebates. HSBC automatically credits earnings by the last day of the following calendar month, eliminating manual redemption steps.

Understanding reward mechanics

Financial institutions calculate returns differently. Some examples:

• HSBC applies 3.5% on local dining but caps earnings at S$70 monthly
• Citi Cash Back+ skips accumulation periods with instant SMS redemption
• American Express offers uncapped 1.5% returns after the introductory phase

Important limitations exist. Most programs exclude insurance premiums, balance transfers, and installment plans from reward calculations. Always review terms to ensure your typical purchases qualify for earnings.

Best All-Around Cashback Credit Card: HSBC Advance Credit Card

Sophisticated spenders know the value of tiered reward structures. The HSBC advance credit option stands out with its dynamic earning system, especially for those who consistently meet monthly thresholds.

Cashback Rates and Caps

This program offers escalating returns based on your calendar month expenditure:

• 1.5% for spending under S$2,000
• 2.5% when exceeding S$2,000
• Bonus 1% on overseas transactions

The S$70 monthly cap means maximum earnings require S$2,800 in qualified purchases. For example:

Eligibility and Income Requirements

Access to these rewards requires meeting specific criteria:

• Singaporeans: S$30,000 annual income
• Foreigners: S$60,000 minimum
• Age 21+ with clean credit history

“The ENTERTAINER app inclusion provides instant value with 1,000+ local deals, effectively doubling your savings potential.”

Pros and Cons

Ideal for professionals who can consistently hit spending targets, this advance credit card transforms disciplined expenditure into meaningful returns.

Best for Unlimited Cashback: Standard Chartered Simply Cash Credit Card

High-volume spenders seeking predictable earnings will appreciate this straightforward rewards structure. The Standard Chartered Simply Cash option removes common frustrations with spending caps and tiered systems.

Cashback Structure

This financial product stands out with its uncapped 1.5% baseline return on all purchases. An additional 2% bonus applies when spending exceeds S$2,000 monthly, creating a potential 3.5% rate.

Consider this comparison for S$5,000 monthly expenditure:

Key Features

Several advantages make this offering particularly attractive:

• Visa Signature benefits including complimentary travel insurance
• No foreign transaction fees when used abroad
• Current SingSaver promotion offering S$739 in welcome gifts

“The absence of earning ceilings means your rewards grow proportionally with your lifestyle expenses.”

Pros and Cons

Frequent users will break even on the annual fee after S$12,840 in purchases at the base rate. The card particularly suits those who value transparency over complex reward calculations.

Best for Families & Households: Citi Cash Back Card

Families managing household budgets need smart tools to stretch their dollars further. The Citi Cash Back Card delivers targeted rewards on groceries and fuel—two of the biggest expenses for households.

Groceries and Petrol Rewards

Earn up to 8% at Caltex or Shell stations, stacking with existing fuel discounts for total savings of 23.64%. Grocery rewards vary by store:

• 6% at Cold Storage (min. S$50 receipt)
• 4% at Sheng Siong (no minimum)

Compare this to the POSB Everyday Card’s 3% on utilities—Citi’s higher rates better suit family shopping habits.

Monthly Spend Requirements

To unlock rewards, meet the S$800 monthly minimum. Earnings cap at S$80 per month, ideal for budgeting:

“The S$80 cap forces strategic spending—perfect for families tracking expenses.”

Pros and Cons

Best for Dining and Entertainment: HSBC Live+ Credit Card

Singapore’s vibrant food scene offers more than just great flavors—it can also boost your savings. The HSBC Live+ turns every meal into an opportunity, whether you’re enjoying local favorites or international cuisine.

Dining and Retail Rewards

This program shines with 8% returns at Golden Village cinemas and popular restaurants like Din Tai Fung. The Live+ Dining Programme adds 15% discounts at Jamie’s Italian and other partner venues.

Fuel purchases at Shell stations earn 17% savings when combined with existing discounts. Rewards follow a quarterly cycle instead of the typical calendar month system, with a S$250 cap per quarter.

Additional Perks

Frequent travelers benefit from complimentary airport lounge access. GrabFood and Deliveroo users earn 3% on all delivery orders, making it ideal for busy professionals.

“The quarterly cap system rewards consistent dining habits rather than requiring large single-month expenditures.”

Pros and Cons

Compared to the UOB One Card’s 5% entertainment rewards, HSBC Live+ offers better rates for movie lovers. Foodies will appreciate the wider selection of partner restaurants across Singapore.

Best Flat-Rate Cashback: American Express True Cashback Card

Flat-rate programs remove guesswork from earning potential. The American Express True Cashback option delivers predictable returns without category tracking or spending tiers.

Reward Structure Simplified

This financial product starts strong with 3% returns on the first S$5,000 spent. After six months, the rate adjusts to a still-competitive 1.5% with no earning ceiling.

Unlike traditional options, it functions as a charge card requiring full monthly balance payments. This feature helps users avoid interest charges while maintaining spending discipline.

Limited-Time Advantages

New applicants enjoy waived annual fees for the first year—a S$170.60 value. Supplementary cards extend rewards to family members at no extra cost.

Current promotions include:

• Additional 5% at selected retailers
• Complimentary airport lounge visits
• Double rewards on international purchases

“The 1.5% post-intro rate outperforms Citi Cash Back+’s 1.6% when considering Amex’s superior travel benefits.”

Balanced Evaluation

Ideal for those who value transparency over maximizing specific categories. Big-ticket purchasers benefit most from the uncapped structure.

Best for Frequent Spending: CIMB World Mastercard

Digital-savvy consumers seeking effortless rewards will find this option particularly appealing. The CIMB World Mastercard combines competitive returns with seamless digital integration, perfect for Singapore’s e-commerce landscape.

Bonus Cashback Categories

This financial product shines with 10% returns on major online platforms. Top earning categories include:

• Lazada and Shopee purchases
• Amazon Singapore transactions
• Selected travel booking sites

Compared to Maybank Family & Friends’ 8% rate, CIMB delivers better value for dedicated online shoppers. The cashback applies automatically without registration hassles.

No Cap on Cashback

Unlike many competitors, this program imposes no monthly ceiling on earnings. Your rewards grow proportionally with your spend, making it ideal for big online purchases.

Foreign currency transactions earn 1% without extra fees. This beats most competitors that charge 2.5-3.5% on overseas purchases.

“The S$238 SingSaver promotion effectively covers six months of average online shopping expenses, creating immediate value for new users.”

Digital Banking Integration

CIMB’s mobile app simplifies reward tracking with real-time updates. Features include:

• Instant spending notifications
• Custom budget alerts
• One-touch redemption

The S$800 monthly minimum spend requirement encourages disciplined purchasing habits. No annual fee makes this accessible to various income levels.

Pros and Cons

Ideal for those who prioritize online shopping convenience and want rewards that scale with their lifestyle.

Best for Big Ticket Purchases: Citi Cash Back+ Card

Major purchases can yield significant rewards with the right financial tool. The Citi Cash Back+ turns electronics, appliances, and other high-value transactions into ongoing savings opportunities.

Uncapped Cashback

Enjoy 1.6% returns on all spending without earning ceilings. This flat-rate structure outperforms installment plans for purchases above S$1,200:

Pairing with a Citi Interest Booster Account increases value. You earn additional interest when maintaining a balance above S$15,000.

Instant Redemption

No waiting periods complicate your rewards. The SMS redemption system delivers funds immediately to your statement.

Foreign transactions carry standard fees but still earn full 1.6%. This makes it viable for overseas electronics shopping.

“New applicants can claim a S$799 Dyson Purifier Cool™ through SingSaver until December 2024—effectively a 40% return on qualifying spending.”

Pros and Cons

For those frequently upgrading tech or furnishing homes, this option delivers consistent value without complex calculations.

Best for Simplicity: UOB Absolute Cashback Card

Earning rewards shouldn’t require a spreadsheet—this solution keeps things simple. The UOB Absolute option offers predictable returns without tracking spending categories or meeting minimum thresholds.

Straightforward Earning Structure

Enjoy a flat 1.7% rate on all purchases, plus an extra 0.3% when linked to a UOB One Account+. Unlike Amex True Cashback’s tiered system, this applies consistently from your first dollar spent.

Rewards credit quarterly, eliminating monthly tracking. Compare the earning potential:

Special Category Considerations

Certain transactions qualify for enhanced earnings:

• 24% total savings at Shell stations (combines discounts)
• Bonus 0.3% on excluded categories like insurance
• Balance transfers earn rewards—a rare feature

“The quarterly cycle reduces micromanagement while maintaining competitive returns for consistent spenders.”

Balanced Evaluation

Ideal for those who value convenience over maximizing every percentage point. The automatic crediting system removes redemption hassles.

Best for Groceries and Online Shopping: POSB Everyday Card

Weekly grocery runs and online orders can become smarter with the right financial tool. The POSB Everyday Card transforms routine purchases into measurable savings, especially for households managing multiple expenses.

Cashback Categories

This program offers varying returns across essential spending categories. Supermarket rewards differ by retailer:

Food delivery services like GrabFood and Foodpanda earn 10% rebates. The Daily$ rewards system automatically converts earnings into usable credits.

Family-Friendly Perks

Beyond groceries, this option provides savings on family activities. Enjoy 15% discounts at Mandai Wildlife Reserve and selected childcare services.

Integration with POSB/DBS accounts simplifies tracking. Monthly rebates cap at S$110 across all categories, encouraging balanced spending.

“The SP Group utilities rebate helps families save an additional S$100 monthly on essential bills.”

Pros and Cons

For households prioritizing monthly savings on essentials, this option delivers consistent value. Learn more about its full benefits.

Best for Petrol and Dining: OCBC 365 Credit Card

Drivers and food enthusiasts can combine savings with everyday essentials using this versatile option. The OCBC 365 stands out by offering high returns on two major expense categories—vehicle fuel and restaurant visits.

Fuel Discounts

This program delivers 6% rebates at Caltex and Esso stations. When combined with station-specific promotions, total savings can exceed 20% per fill-up.

EV owners benefit too—selected charging stations qualify for rewards. The S$160 monthly cap allows substantial savings for frequent drivers.

Dining Cashback

Enjoy 5% returns at restaurants, with weekend bonuses increasing earnings. Over 1,000 establishments participate, from hawker stalls to fine dining.

The Entertainer app partnership adds 1-for-1 meal deals. This effectively doubles your savings on select dining experiences.

Pros and Cons

“The weekend dining bonus makes Friday night dinners more rewarding without changing your routine.”

Best for Customizable Rewards: Maybank Family & Friends Card

Personalized reward structures give shoppers control over their savings strategy. The Maybank Family & Friends Card stands out by letting users select where they earn the highest returns.

Choosing Your Cashback Categories

This program offers 8% returns across five customizable spending areas. Users can switch categories quarterly to match changing habits.

Popular combinations include:

• Groceries + petrol + dining (ideal for families)
• Online shopping + transport + utilities (urban professionals)
• Healthcare + education + telecoms (parents with school-age children)

Unlike Citi Custom Cash’s single rotating category, Maybank allows multiple high-earning selections simultaneously. The S$125 monthly cap encourages strategic category allocation.

Additional Benefits

Cardholders gain access to exclusive regional TREATS privileges at participating merchants. These family-focused discounts include special rates at KidZania and selected tuition centers.

The Diamond Sky Fuel Card integration provides:

• Additional 12% savings at Shell stations
• Complimentary car wash vouchers
• Priority booking for vehicle servicing

“Grab rewards integration turns every ride into earning opportunities, with 5% returns on transport spending.”

Pros and Cons

For those wanting control over their rewards strategy, this option delivers flexibility without complex calculations. The combination of selectable categories and regional deals creates multiple savings pathways.

How to Choose the Best Cashback Credit Card for You

Finding the right financial tool requires matching your lifestyle with reward structures. Consider both your regular spending patterns and long-term financial goals. Programs vary widely in rates, redemption rules, and eligibility.

Assessing Your Spending Habits

Start by tracking where your money goes monthly. Dining enthusiasts might prioritize HSBC’s 3.5% dining rebate, while families could favor Citi’s 8% grocery rewards.

Key evaluation steps:

• Create a budget template separating essentials (groceries, transport) from discretionary spending
• Note foreign vs local transaction ratios—some programs charge extra for overseas use
• Compare your monthly totals to programs’ minimums (e.g., Citi’s S$800 requirement)

Comparing Fees and Requirements

Annual costs can negate rewards if you don’t meet waiver thresholds. HSBC waives its S$192.60 fee with S$12,500 yearly spending, while Amex charges no first-year fee.

“Pairing a flat-rate program with a category-specific option often yields higher total returns than using one card exclusively.”

Check your credit score beforehand—most issuers require good standing. Combining programs strategically (e.g., one for dining, another for online shopping) can maximize earnings across spending categories.

Eligibility and Application Tips

Understanding eligibility criteria is the first step toward smart financial planning. Different programs have unique requirements that affect approval chances and potential rewards. Knowing these details saves time and improves your application strategy.

Minimum Income Requirements

Most financial institutions set clear income thresholds. These vary based on citizenship and employment type:

• Singaporeans/PRs: Typically S$30,000 minimum annual income
• Foreigners: Often S$40,000-S$60,000 requirements
• HSBC accepts S$10,000 fixed deposits as collateral alternative

Commission-based earners need two years of tax assessments. Some banks average variable income over 12 months.

How to Apply

Modern processes simplify submissions:

Required documents include:

• NRIC/passport copy
• Latest tax assessment or payslips
• Proof of address (for foreigners)

“Applications through partner platforms often include exclusive welcome gifts like S$300 cash rewards.”

Remember that each application triggers a credit report inquiry. Multiple submissions within short periods may affect your score.

Maximizing Your Cashback Rewards

Timing and pairing financial tools creates compounding rewards. Understanding billing cycles and program rules helps extract maximum value from every transaction. Small adjustments to spending habits can significantly boost annual earnings.

Timing Your Purchases

Align major spending with reward cycles. HSBC credits earnings by the last day of each calendar month, making the 1st-5th ideal for large purchases. UOB’s quarterly bonuses reset in March/June/September/December.

Consider these timing strategies:

• Schedule recurring payments (utilities, subscriptions) right after cycle resets
• Stack holiday shopping with limited-time category bonuses
• Use mobile wallet top-ups during bonus periods

Combining Cards for Optimal Rewards

Pairing complementary programs often outperforms single-card use. A common strategy combines HSBC’s dining rewards with Citi’s grocery bonuses.

“Card stacking works best when each handles specific spending categories—like using UOB for transport and Amex for dining.”

Mobile app users can automate this:

• Set default payment methods for different merchants
• Enable location-based card selection
• Link reward trackers to budgeting tools

Remember to check individual program terms—some exclude shared payment processors like GrabPay from earning rewards when used as intermediaries.

Conclusion

Reward programs can turn daily expenses into savings opportunities. Whether dining out or shopping online, the right credit card matches your habits.

Limited-time offers like Dyson gifts add extra value. Act before June 2025 to secure these bonuses.

Maximize cashback by pairing cards for different spending categories. Always track billing cycles and redemption rules.

Remember to spend within your means. Rewards work best when combined with responsible financial habits.

Ready to start earning? Compare options and apply online today to unlock your savings potential.